Chapter 46: Du Chengfeng’s Four Conditions

Du Chengfeng had never expected that his few simple words would move so many people to tears.

Yet he understood well that, although Cheng Yaojin in history was known for being a bit unruly and irreverent, his care for his soldiers was genuine and deep. It was no wonder, then, that discovering such a miraculous remedy would evoke such a strong reaction from him.

“Du Chengfeng, you—” Seeing the tears welling in Du Chengfeng’s eyes, Li Shimin wanted to say something to comfort him, but the words caught in his throat, and he found himself speechless.

Du Chengfeng wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve and said sadly, “Your Majesty, to most people, these might seem like treasures that anyone would covet. But to me, however precious these two prescriptions may be, they are nothing compared to my grandfather’s life. Since he has already passed, why shouldn’t I share the remedies, so that more people in the world might be spared such pain? Just yesterday, one of my household servants was injured in a fall and contracted an infection for the same reason. If I hadn’t arrived in time, I would have witnessed another living soul die in agony before my very eyes.”

“In my view, every life, regardless of status or worth, is precious and irreplaceable, deserving of respect. If a minor wound can cost the life of someone who should have lived, the grief I feel is immeasurable. Human beings are the foundation of all things, the source of society itself. Cherishing every life, as much as we possibly can, is surely lighter on the conscience than hoarding a pile of wealth and suffering under its weight. That, Your Majesty, is the true reason for my offering these remedies—not for anything else, but for the common people of this land.”

Du Chengfeng’s words came from the heart, sincere and moving, leaving all who heard them deep in thought. Perhaps it was his elder brother’s words from yesterday that had touched him, or something else entirely—but at this moment, Du Chengfeng knew clearly his purpose in presenting the two remedies.

It was not for fame, not for wealth, not for personal gain, but simply to do what little he could for the people of the world.

He did not lack for money; as things stood, giving the prescriptions to Li Shimin would make them infinitely more useful than keeping them to himself.

If he had to name a reason, Du Chengfeng thought, it would be to honor his late grandfather and the great elder who had invented these remedies.

His words left many in the hall abashed and unable to raise their heads—Li Shimin included. Hearing Du Chengfeng’s heartfelt declaration, the emperor suddenly felt ashamed of himself. In the face of Du Chengfeng’s righteousness, Li Shimin felt himself quite small.

Du Chengfeng’s understanding of life reminded him of something the young man had once said: that all people are equal, with no distinction of rank or worth. Li Shimin realized, in that moment, how shallow his own understanding of his people truly was.

Just as Du Chengfeng had said: human beings are the foundation of all things, the root of society. The more one ponders these words, the more profound their meaning becomes, and Li Shimin knew his own comprehension was only skin-deep.

After a moment’s silence, and under the astonished gaze of the assembled officials, Li Shimin walked to Du Chengfeng, bowed deeply, and said with utmost gravity, “Du Chengfeng, on behalf of all the people, I thank you. I know well all that you have done for me, and I will not forget it.”

Du Chengfeng did not stop the emperor from bowing, but received the gesture calmly.

Some of the censors below, however, could not bear this sight. They thought Du Chengfeng’s acceptance of such an honor was nothing short of arrogance.

An elderly censor immediately stepped forward and protested, “Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven—how can you bow so low to a commoner? It is improper, Your Majesty, most improper…”

“It is of no consequence. I am well aware of what is fitting. Du Chengfeng is deserving of this courtesy,” Li Shimin interrupted without waiting for the censor to finish.

“Your Majesty truly is a ruler for the ages. I am in awe,” Du Chengfeng replied with admiration. In some respects, he truly did respect the emperor’s magnanimity.

Yet, admiration aside, there were still matters that needed clarification—words Du Chengfeng had long planned to say upon this visit.

With this thought, he drew from his breast the prescriptions and instructions he had prepared, looked Li Shimin in the eye, and said earnestly, “Your Majesty, before I present these remedies, there are several conditions I must state. I hope Your Majesty will agree. If not, I will have to withdraw the prescriptions.”

“What are these conditions? Speak. If I am able, I will not go back on my word,” Li Shimin said resolutely.

“First, Your Majesty must ensure that these remedies are not used for exorbitant profit—only a modest margin above necessary costs should be permitted. Only thus will those in true need not lose their lives for lack of timely treatment.

Second, I hope Your Majesty will treat these two prescriptions as state secrets and guard them closely against theft by ill-intentioned men. The prescriptions must remain in the hands of the court, never entrusted to others for production.

Third, I hope Your Majesty will decree that, if in the future the court encounters commoners who, after investigation, are found truly unable to afford these medicines, the authorities may provide them with free treatment. Only in this way will the remedies truly benefit all the people.”

“Fourth, the white medicine must be named Huanzhang White Medicine, and the Baibao Pill must be called Huanzhang Baibao Pill. Your Majesty, do these conditions pose any problem?”

Du Chengfeng was well aware that, presenting these two remedies in front of the civil and military officials of the court, there would undoubtedly be those with ulterior motives seeking to profit from them in every way possible—through the ingredients, through production and processing. He wanted to cut off all such possibilities at the root and reminded Li Shimin accordingly, trusting that the emperor would be shrewd enough to know how best to protect them.

After hearing the four conditions, Li Shimin was at once surprised and delighted. The first two conditions, even if Du Chengfeng had not mentioned them, would have been treated as top secrets under the strictest guard.

It was the third condition that revealed to Li Shimin the true benevolence of Du Chengfeng’s heart. From beginning to end, the young man had never sought a single coin in exchange—he was offering the remedies freely to the court.

It seemed that this young man was not only exceptionally talented, but also possessed a rare and generous heart. Yet why was he unwilling to become an official? The thought troubled Li Shimin greatly.

“Du Chengfeng, I accept all your conditions. I give you my word: these two remedies will be used to their fullest value,” Li Shimin promised solemnly.

“Only, why must the medicine bear the name Huanzhang? Is there any special meaning?” Li Shimin asked, puzzled. In his view, Du Chengfeng could easily have named them after himself. Had the young man requested it, Li Shimin would have agreed without hesitation. Through this act of offering the remedies, Du Chengfeng’s selfless image had risen ever higher in the emperor’s esteem.